Sports Briefs

Say what?

ASHBURN, Va. - Washington Redskins receiver Santana Moss returned to practice Friday and sounded optimistic that he will play Sunday against the Dallas Cowboys.

Moss missed last week's game because of a bruised heel and did not practice Wednesday or Thursday, compounding an already dire situation at receiver.

Texans RB Green to miss Sunday's game

HOUSTON - Texans running back Ahman Green won't play Sunday against New Orleans because of a swollen left knee.

Coach Gary Kubiak was optimistic early in the week that rest during the bye week would allow Green to play.

Kubiak said he wasn't sure how long Green will be out.

Former Tech LB Thomas will miss Sunday's game

DAVIE, Fla. - Miami Dolphins linebacker Zach Thomas won't play Sunday at Philadelphia, making it the fifth game he will have missed since a concussion in September.

The seven-time Pro Bowl player said earlier this week he hopes to return this season.

Stars place Norstrom on injured list

DALLAS - The Dallas Stars placed defenseman Mattias Norstrom on the injured list on Friday and brought up defenseman Mark Fistric from the Iowa Stars, their AHL affiliate.

Norstrom sustained a small fracture of his orbital bone in a game on Nov. 7 and hasn't played since. His condition will be evaluated in two weeks. The move is retroactive to Nov. 9.

Astros acquire reliever in trade with Braves

HOUSTON - The Houston Astros acquired right-handed reliever Oscar Villarreal in a trade that sent outfielder Josh Anderson to the Atlanta Braves on Friday.

The Astros also signed outfielder Yordany Ramirez, a minor-leaguer in the San Diego Padres system, to a major-league contract.

Briefly ...

 RB Brian Westbrook missed practice for the second straight day with a knee injury and is questionable for the Eagles' game against Miami on Sunday.

 Bills rookie RB Marshawn Lynch missed his third straight practice Friday and is doubtful for Buffalo's game Sunday against unbeaten New England.

 QB Vinny Testaverde will start Sunday for the Carolina Panthers against the Green Bay Packers. WR Steve Smith, who is listed as questionable after missing his third straight practice Friday, is a game-time decision.

 More fans will get to see the World Series champion Boston Red Sox play at Fenway Park next year. The Red Sox are adding more than 800 new seats.

Yankees' Jeter could lose millions in tax money

ALBANY, N.Y. - New York tax officials say Derek Jeter should have been taxed as a state resident from 2001-03, which potentially could cost the Yankees captain millions of dollars.

Jeter says he is a Florida resident, but the State Division of Taxation of Finance argues that he had a New York residence during that period.